Madison Wilder, a third grader at Chestnut Ridge Elementary School, has been awarded a Do The Right Thing Award by the Rochester Police Department.

Madison’s grandmother Janet Lima nominated her for her compassion towards others. Upon hearing about children who lose all their hair from cancer, Madison was touched and made the decision to let hers grow for two years so that she would be able to make a donation to Locks of Love. Madison’s teacher describes her as a sweet, caring, sensitive girl who sets a good example for others through her respectful and responsible behaviors each and every day.

Congratulations to Madison for “Doing The Right Thing”. If you see Madi, her proud parents Jacquie and Shawn or her grandmother Janet out and about around town, be sure to congratulate them!

The “Do the Right Thing” Program was established in 1990 by the Miami Police Department. On October 7th, 1995, the model was adopted by the Rochester Police Department when they received permission to start a Rochester Chapter of “Do The Right Thing”. Ten students throughout the city of Rochester and Monroe County are selected on a bimonthly basis during the school year for recognition by the Rochester Police Department for their outstanding accomplishments and behavior. Children are nominated by teachers, neighbors, family members, police officers, and emergency personnel, to name a few.
They are nominated for:

One common factor shared by all winners is they acted in a manner that distinguishes them as role models to their peers.

At the ceremony, the “Do The Right Thing” winners receive certificates, trophies, a grocery bag of healthy snacks from TOP’s, age appropriate toys from the Pirate Toy Fund, a book bag filled with school supplies and more. The ceremonies are well-attended, with family members, teachers and classmates, Rochester Police Department command staff, school administrators, news reporters, program sponsors, city council members and more attending to show their support and celebrate these children’s accomplishments. Photos with the Chief including family, friends, and classmates are taken for keep sake memories. At the end of the school year, winners and their families are invited to a “Do The Right Thing” family picnic held at Seabreeze Amusement Park.

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I became interested in journalism back in 1982 when I became a paperboy for the Times Union and the Democrat and Chronicle. After that, I took a couple of journalism and photography classes, which is my true love. Telling stories through images is my passion; I recently became a freelance photographer for the Democrat and Chronicle.

Most of my adult life has been in the public safety sector both as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic. I was raised and still live in Chili and have many friends in the community. I encourage you to contact me with any idea you may have at JohnSpaulding@Gmail.com or @JohnSpaulding on Twitter.

Tim Davis

My family history in Wheatland dates back over a century. My wife, kids and I have lived here for 10 years. I'm a member of the Mumford Neighborhood Association, and I've run for Wheatland Town Council twice. My goal for this blog will be improving communication in our community and promoting all the great activities, organizations and businesses that we have in Wheatland. We're very fortunate in Wheatland to have some of the greatest hidden gems in all of Monroe County. If you have any ideas or suggestions for stories, please email me at davistr@hotmail.com.